3Dmark06 (Default) 10,118-------This was what I remember from my Foxconn 780G board. I will update a

So I just bought a Gigabyte 790gx mobo and I have a XFX 9600gt currently. My new mobo supports 8x 8x pci-e 2.0 crossfire and I have been looking at the 48xx series for my next upgrade. I am always on a budget so I would like to use the 9600 as long as possible ( thinking of getting vga cooler and o.c. even more ) but with the prices of these cards and the reviews I am leaning heavy toward ATI. My questions are------ Which is the best X-fire 2 card setup for price/performance, and FUTURE-PROOFING? 4850, 4870, 512mb, 1gb, ? I was leaning towards a 4850 512 x2 setup because I could get both cards for 260 to 300 dollars and looking at the benches that's a heck of a deal. I am used to a Nvidia single gpu solution so I want to do this build right. I still have to upgrade my PSU for the build so I don't mind waiting but I want to obviously get as much use out of the new platform as I can. Thanks for the help.... later.

So I just bought a Gigabyte 790gx mobo and I have a XFX 9600gt currently. My new mobo supports 8x 8x pci-e 2.0 crossfire and I have been looking at the 48xx series for my next upgrade. I am always on a budget so I would like to use the 9600 as long as possible ( thinking of getting vga cooler and o.c. even more ) but with the prices of these cards and the reviews I am leaning heavy toward ATI. My questions are------ Which is the best X-fire 2 card setup for price/performance, and FUTURE-PROOFING? 4850, 4870, 512mb, 1gb, ? I was leaning towards a 4850 512 x2 setup because I could get both cards for 260 to 300 dollars and looking at the benches that's a heck of a deal. I am used to a Nvidia single gpu solution so I want to do this build right. I still have to upgrade my PSU for the build so I don't mind waiting but I want to obviously get as much use out of the new platform as I can. Thanks for the help.... later.

3Dmark06 (Default) 10,118-------This was what I remember from my Foxconn 780G board. I will update a

Well I guess I was really wondering how long my 9600gt will hold up since I don't have the 250 plus money for a Psu (Corsair is all I will buy) right now. ...... Will the 4830's outperform the 9600 gt?

I have used them both and both in pairs are excellent (4830 or 9600GT) With ur monitor just 1 would be fine though. I also have run both the 4830 and 9600GTs (in Crossfire, SLI on a good 400 watt PS so you wont need a monster PS)

3Dmark06 (Default) 10,118-------This was what I remember from my Foxconn 780G board. I will update a

I can wait. I don't mind getting technology that's a little "old" for waaaaaaay cheaper and the 4850 512 are getting GREAT reviews for crossfire x2. I just wanted to talk to some "real" ppl for some advice.

I can wait. I don't mind getting technology that's a little "old" for waaaaaaay cheaper and the 4850 512 are getting GREAT reviews for crossfire x2. I just wanted to talk to some "real" ppl for some advice.

Click to expand...

4850 cf is great. If you can wait a few just save up for a new monitor and a couple 4850's.

3Dmark06 (Default) 10,118-------This was what I remember from my Foxconn 780G board. I will update a

I plan on this build lasting for a while so my next build will be Nvidia 3D Glasses and a 120hz monitor............That's my dream, and yes I can and will wait that long now that I know where a good forum is!

I was in the same boat as you, except I had a defective 8800gt.
Save your money with the 9600gt.... look for good deals on a 24" + monitor.
After your 9600gt gets really sluggish, then look for new card/cards.

If you want crossfire right now, then 4830cf for $75 each. Or even better, go and look for a used 4870 512 or 1gb (around the $125 range would be best, believe me some people sell them that low here). Then you can grab another one down the line if you want.

Another option would be to find an SLI mobo and get another 9600gt for cheap. They scale amazing in SLI.